Autism, Identity and Me not only reflects Rebecca’s ethos, it is a structured, easy to follow, informative and invaluable text which covers all areas of autism from what it actually is through to every element of the day to day life of an autistic child. I will be using this book in my own practice." – Andrew Whitehouse, SEND Consultant, Andrew Whitehouse Ltd Consider the environment: would they prefer to be somewhere familiar? Think about the sensory input such as lighting and sounds. However, so often I will meet a young person who is at crisis point, and ask the team around them if they have an understanding of their autistic identity, to be told ‘No’. They may have been told about their diagnosis but been given little support to understand what this means, nor had the opportunity to meet other autistic young people, therefore being left feeling isolated, which can also impact their mental health. What can we do to increase understanding of autistic identity in young people? As you would expect from a practitioner of Rebecca’s stature, this book is empowering and accessible and sensitively covers a huge range of situations and scenarios faced by autistic children in a manner that will guide them in their growing up. Thoroughly recommended!" – Andrew Whitehouse, SEND Consultant Feeling different can be an upsetting, frustrating and terrifying experience, especially as a child. Rebecca's book is a great resource to help young people and the adults supporting them to navigate an autism diagnosis." – Dr Jenna Kenyani , Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Adviser, University of Liverpool

If you are the young person’s parent or carer, it is likely that you will have your own thoughts and feelings about this whole process. You may have battled for years to try and get an autism assessment or are carrying the weight of comments from ‘well-meaning’ family members or professionals. There may be layers of guilt or worry over whether you are doing the best for your child. I have worked with many, many families over the years and I can tell you this is all ‘normal’, whatever that means! Having a positive understanding of your autistic identity is an indicator of higher self-esteem and wellbeing as an adult. This workbook supports the development of this and will be valuable for autistic children and young people aged 10+ and the adults working with them. It is designed to be used alongside the accompanying guide for most effective use, which provides further support for the lead adult and a platform for initiating important conversations. When a young person gets a diagnosis, the parents may be offered parent programmes, and the school may be offered training, but what does the actual autistic person get? In many cases, young people are not given the opportunity to explore their autistic identity. In an ideal world, a young person would be aware of autism at the start of their autism assessment process and then be able to build their understanding on this topic gradually and over time, with the support of understanding adults.Hearing voices of autistic children throughout the book gives a unique insight that can only be gained from listening to those with lived experience. Rebecca's passion for supporting autistic young people is clear throughout, which has resulted in a book which allows autistic young people a chance to positively own their identity." – Dr Jenna Kenyani , Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Adviser, University of Liverpool Have a plan for follow up questions : It’s OK to ‘park’ the question or give the young person a kind of ‘holding message’ - better this than to give a rushed answer that they later find confusing or unsettling. This empowering workbook will help children and young people to develop a positive understanding of their autistic identity.

This guidebook is innovative as it helps autistic young people own their autism diagnosis, whereas it’s likely the pathway thus far has been directed by a medical and/or parental perspective. This book assists adults to support autistic young people to find a safe space to explore their autistic identity, diagnosis and newfound life trajectory." – Carly Jones MBE, British Autism Advocate These books are innovative as they help autistic young people to own their autism diagnosis. This book duo supports autistic young people to find a safe space to explore their autistic identity, diagnosis and newfound life trajectory. Using non-medical jargon and empowering, yet factual, information, Rebecca has created a non-judgemental and non-infantilised place to not only support but explore what comes next." -Carly Jones MBE, British autism advocate Adapt your plan for your young person: consider concentration and processing times. Some young people may prefer to sit down for an hour, others may want short 10-minute bursts of information. Be flexible! to support with processing (providing additional visual tools or methods that work for that young person)Remember our emotions are often contagious: if we are feeling highly anxious, those around us may well mirror these feelings or behaviours. Always consider whose needs you are meeting - if you are doing this because you feel you ought to, but really don’t feel prepared - it might be best to let someone else take the lead (perhaps someone from school), while you access support and develop your own understanding of autism. The Autism, Identity and Me Guidebook explores this in detail and could be a good starting point.

This book has helped me get a grip on my autism and understand it more. It allows me to see the reasons, know why I’m doing all this stuff that neurotypicals wouldn’t do, and makes me feel better – good– that I wasn't alone in this." – Daniel, Young PersonThis informative and engaging guidebook provides key adults – parents, school staff and therapists – with the tools needed to support children and young people as they develop a positive understanding of their autistic identity. Rebecca Duffus is an Advisory Teacher working with students and educators in mainstream and specialist schools, plus local council and education services. Here, Rebecca discusses the importance of supporting young people to understand their autistic identity.

It is never too late to support a young person in developing a better sense of self. I have worked for a number of years doing just this, through clearly structured sessions, together creating a personalised book all about them. The Autism, Identity and Me Workbook for young people was created to become the individual’s unique story, using visual prompts to positively explore their personality and interests, feelings of difference and what this means to them. The book also features other autistic individuals, providing peer representation, and a template toolkit. When to have these conversations? Giving young people the space and time to explore and embrace their autistic identity, in a way that is positive and empowering, is essential for their sense of self and belonging. Further informationSo often, autistic young people are told to stop stimming, taught neurotypical ‘social skills’ and disciplined because of characteristics directly related to their autistic identity. We need to be actively promoting autistic pride and creating communities where autistic young people can understand their strengths and have their needs catered for. What is autistic identity? If you are a professional leading these conversations (in advance of the session), you should start planning and information gathering alongside parents. The resources section of the Guidebook has tools which can be used in an informal meeting with parents/carers and key adults.